Pranav Nair
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opens up on Donny van de Beek and also on the penalty taking conundrum
According to Beyond the Pitch (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prepared to give Donny van de Beek a new lease of life by deploying him in a deeper midfield role.
Signed from Ajax last summer, a lot was expected of the Dutch international at Old Trafford. He got off to an excellent start by scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace but has since been unable to hold down a regular starting spot.
He made 36 appearances for the Red Devils last season of which just 15 came as a starter. Van de Beek is yet to feature this season despite United already playing three Premier League games. (h/t Transfermarkt)
With Scott McTominay recovering from surgery, Van de Beek could be handed an opportunity later tonight against Newcastle United. The 24-year-old had recently insisted that he could perform well as a No 6 in Solskjaer’s 4-2-3-1 system.
“He has worked really hard. He’s waiting to be unleashed and to show what he can do.”
With Bruno Fernandes having the number 10 position nailed down, Solskajer appears to be ready to give Van de Beek a shot at a deeper role. He acknowledges the Dutchman’s versatility and could soon deploy him in a role he is capable of impressing at.
“He is a footballer with many qualities that we like at the club but, yes, he can play as one of the two in midfield.”
Fred and McTominay are both athletic players but lack the dynamism or imagination to do the unthinkable. Van de Beek could prove to be a real presence in our midfield, with the quality he offers with the ball.
A conundrum resolved?
According to the club’s official site, Solskjaer weighed in on the penalty-taking conundrum facing his side. Fernandes has been United’s default spot-kick taker and has done well. However, with Cristiano Ronaldo back, the United boss has a decision to make.
He admits to having had a conversation with both players regarding the issue. Solskjaer admits that he would trust either of them to get the job done but refused to give much away.
Solskjaer could easily pass off as a Sphinx on Halloween considering his ability to speak much without actually saying anything. It would appear that we will have to wait and watch.
“They’ll know by the conversations we’ve had, and the conversations we have before games how we sort this and it’s going to be my decision what will happen and I think the two of them will just keep on doing what they do when they’re asked to take the penalties.”
More Manchester United News
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All eyes will be on Old Trafford tonight as Ronaldo gears up to make his second debut. Whether Van de Beek will also be part of proceedings and whether we will get an insight into who the new penalty taker remains to be seen.
